Sales of digital televisions grew more than 100 percent during the first quarter of 2006, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

According to new CEA figures, 3.4 million DTVs were sold during the quarter, equaling a 101 percent increase in unit sales over the same time last year. DTV sales for the quarter totaled $3.6 billion.

Flat panel sales grew 201 percent during the first quarter, which seems to reflect the findings of a recent CEA survey showing that 49 percent of consumers said their next television purchase would be some type of flat panel technology.

Since 1998 when DTVs were first introduced, more than 35 million units now have been sold.

The FAA’s current rules and proposed ban on flight over people, requirement of visual line of sight and restriction on nighttime flying, effectively prohibit broadcasters from using UAS for newsgathering. ~ WMUR-TV General Manager Jeff Bartlett